As Canadians, we all love a good Caesar. Rachel Drinkle, of Caesar Shop, recognized this love and wanted to create a one-stop shop for all things Caesar making. We connected with her to learn more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Caesar Shop- Canada’s First ALL CANADIAN liquor boutique.
What made you want to do this work?
I organized the first YYCaesarfest in 2022 and wanted Calgary to have a place to showcase its great culinary contribution to Canadian culture every day. I was involved in the craft beer industry and really loved the sense of community it brought to the city. As I began to connect with distillers and small makers I saw an opportunity to really highlight the local, and then national craft beverage industry. The small business owners and Caesar cocktail lovers across the country have all been my inspiration and motivation.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I really saw a need for a one-stop Caesar Shop and a place you could go where you knew that whatever you bought would benefit small businesses. Craft beverage tourism is an unrecognized industry in Canada. YYCaesarfest and the Caesar Shop were built to showcase our invention to the rest of the country and to really highlight the large selection of Canadian produced craft beverages.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Every Canadian over legal drinking age.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Officially it’s a liquor store but we like to call it a cocktail experience shop. Guests come in and are overwhelmed by the uniquely curated selection of Canadian spirits, ciders, liqueurs, beer, canned cocktails and Caesar accoutrements. We help navigate the experience by making sure they leave with creative new ideas and great products! We also do private tasting events, Caesar consulting, corporate gifting, convention grab bags, and lots of gift boxes!
Where in the city can we find your profession?
The historic Calgary neighbourhood of Inglewood. Its the only shop of its kind in the country.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Who makes the best Caesar?
YOU make the best Caesar. That’s a Caesar specifically created for your palate. It’s spicy, sweet, smoky, dilly, muddy, and every combination in between. The Caesar Shop is here to provide your secret ingredients!
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
Best part is seeing my guests’ faces when they experience the shop for the first time and are blown away by how creative they can be. I also love getting to know all the people behind the small businesses the store supports. Their struggles and celebrations are really the heart of my business.
Worst part is never having enough time to visit with everyone who comes in. I want to start writing down all the Caesar stories I get to hear.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
What are the 3 hardest things to say in English?
1. I was wrong
2. I need help
3. Worcestershire Sauce
Where can we follow you?
Caesarshopcanada on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
One of the easiest ways to support your community is to take a look at your liquor cabinet and beer fridge. We have a province that grows the best beverage ingredients in the world and those ingredients are used by the brewers, distillers, and beverage makers here. Hit up any one of those local businesses today!
